第２８７堀：和気あいあい (Part1)
**Chapter 287: Harmony**
**Side: Yuki**
We stayed overnight in the village.
While some villagers were initially startled by Wai-chan, there was no panic. By the time the sun began to set, children were already playing on Wai-chan’s back.
Conversely, Vixen-san watched the scene with his heart in his throat, terrified that the Dragon Knight Amanda or the dragon itself might lose their temper. In fact, he had tried to stop the children from approaching at first, but since Amanda had given her permission, he could only watch the proceedings with a pale face—likely imagining the village being reduced to a sea of flames.
However, that expression would soon be blown away.
"I-is this what it means to race across the sky!!"
Just before the sun dipped below the horizon, I had mentioned that the sky during this twilight hour, where day and night mingle, is beautiful. Amanda then asked if she could take those who wished to go up into the sky. Since we had already assessed the military strength of the area and there were no issues, we took to the air, provided that some of our guards accompanied them.
"Wow, it’s amazing!!"
"We’re really flying, aren't we?! This is incredible!!"
Rurua and Eris watched the excited children with gentle expressions, offering reminders.
"Let’s calm down, everyone. It’s cold in the sky, so please make sure you’re wearing your coats."
"That’s right. If you catch a cold tomorrow, it would be a shame for your parents. Wear your clothes properly so you don't worry them, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
In contrast to the children, the adults who had been terrified of flying were now staring with their mouths agape at a view they had never seen before.
"Village Chief, I’ve never flown in the sky before in my life..."
"Neither have I..."
I was tasked with attending to the adults, but I couldn't help but offer a wry smile at their reactions. Well, in an era where the very concept of flight is foreign to the average person, it’s understandable.
And, of course, Vixen-san was on board as well—not in the basket, but riding on the dragon's neck alongside the Dragon Knight, Amanda. Deryu was also riding on the neck, and through the audio-only link of the Call, I could hear their conversation.
"How is it? The sky?"
"Magnificent!! Lady Amanda, I am deeply grateful for such a precious experience!!"
"Hahaha! I can hardly believe you are the same man who was shaking in his boots just a moment ago."
"I am deeply embarrassed, Lady Deryu."
"There is no need for shame. Even if your knees were shaking, you still took a new step forward. That is what we call courage."
"What soul-stirring words. As expected of Yuki-dono’s wife."
Why does everyone in this New Continent insist on putting me on a pedestal? Thanks to that, I end up having to work harder than necessary...
As I thought this, I turned my gaze toward the sunset; the moment was approaching.
"Deryu. It’s almost time. Tell Amanda to turn to face the sunset."
"Understood. Amanda! Turn Wai-chan to face the sunset! You’re about to see something special!"
"Yes, understood!"
"Something special?"
"Indeed. Yuki said it is a jewel of the world, born of nature."
The dragon began a slow turn. We all looked at each other and signaled the children and adults to watch the sunset. As Wai-chan faced the setting sun, the moment arrived.
The instant the sun sank.
The azure of the sky, the indigo of the night, the light of the stars, and the red sinking below the horizon.
The moment the curtain of night falls.
In this fleeting second, day and night blend together.
Everyone fell silent, simply staring. They burned the sight of the day world and the night world merging into their memories. People in this world likely don't have the luxury of taking the time to watch the natural cycles they take for granted. Even in Japan, few people would think to fly through the sky just to enjoy the scenery; at most, they might climb a mountain or go to the beach.
But even if they are few, they do exist. Not just in Japan, but all over the world. People who want to know how much magnificent scenery remains in the world they inhabit, who want to record it—they cross the globe and take to the skies.
Once the sun had fully set and before the surroundings turned completely dark, we descended back to the village. The children stepped off, chatting happily about their sky journey. The adults, on the other hand, descended in a daze. Vixen-san was the same. He walked with a dreamlike, unsteady gait. The soldiers who had accompanied Vixen-san were in a similar state.
...Actually, from an outsider's perspective, their eyes were unfocused, making them look like dangerous individuals.
Amanda and Eris went to tend to Wai-chan—though, in truth, she didn't really need it. Deryu and Rurua went to clean the basket. Aslin and the others were busy chatting with the village children, so it looked like I was the only one left to talk to them.
"I suppose I should go talk to Vixen-san."
"I agree."
"Yes. That would be for the best."
"...Mm. Understood."
"...As you wish."
Hm? My wives were acting a bit strange, too. Cleena and Samantha were just as dazed.
"What’s wrong with you two?"
"Yuki-san, if you’re shown something like that, it’s only natural to end up like this."
"Indeed. We were captivated by what you literally called a jewel of the world, born of nature. Any ordinary person, anyone with a normal sensibility, would be left in a daze for a while after seeing that."
"Is that so? Should I bring you two back to reality?"
"No, it’s fine. We’re just moved by the experience."
"Jessica is right. We’ll get Vixen-san and his men back to their senses ourselves. They’re following us, so they’ll come around on their own."
"If you say so."
Ah, come to think of it, was this how Ria and Jessica reacted the first time I took them up to see a similar view? ...I feel like I’ve become jaded. No, I must have been moved the first time, too. ...I just can't remember that "first time" at all.
Regardless, I had to speak with Vixen-san.
"Vixen-san. How was the view from the sky?"
"..."
No response. He was just staring in the direction where the sun had set. What to do?
As I pondered this, Vixen-san suddenly shed tears.
"...It was beautiful."
"Excuse me?"
The nice middle-aged man said this while weeping.
"Yuki-dono!!"
"Yes!?"
The man who had been crying suddenly turned toward me. It was terrifying.
Then, he bowed his head deeply. What on earth is happening!?
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart. For showing me such a sight. You men, why are you not offering your words of gratitude as well!!"